Great weekender: Christchurch

Go to C1 Espresso for breakfast, or order sliders after 3pm. They'll be sent to your table through a tube system! Next door, there’s a record store for some high-fidelity browsing.

At Shop Eight Food and Wine Bar (pictured at top), find furniture from Rekindle, local organic and biodynamic wines and a brilliant grazing menu from chef Alex Davies.

New Zealand’s largest selection of whiskies is on offer at the Last Word. Bartenders stir up brilliant sours, fizzes, short and long drinks, including the Campbell Flip (best with Kentucky Vintage small batch).

Down in Strange’s Lane, find five bars and cafés, including Strange&Co, Lower 9th Diner and our favourite, Orleans, where there’s bourbon, moonshine and Creole food aplenty.

The Thai food on offer at Chinwag Eathai is some of the best in the city. Order the sirloin with crying tiger sauce – you won't regret it.

One of the leaders in the city’s growing craft beer scene is ThreeBoys and their new brewery is loaded up with taps and growlers aplenty. Order the wheat or the oyster stout, which is made with delicious Bluff oysters (yes, really).

The recently-opened, 26-room boutique Hotel Montreal is located across from Hagley Park and features spacious suites adorned with furniture, art and decorations you can take home at a price, and mini-bars stocked with local food and wine.

At the Rydges Latimer Christchurch, expect large rooms with the latest technology, brilliant service and off the lobby, Bloody Marys, where the great cocktail is served up in jars next to a plethora of local food fare.

Qantas flies daily to Christchurch. In Business, expect top Australian and NZ wines.

We all have different preferences when it comes to hotels – perhaps you're a fan of staying right in the middle of the action; maybe you're happy to chill out in a boutique hotel in a cute neighbourhood. Whatever kind of vacation (or staycation) you're after, we've got you covered.